User manual RYOBI 51950A

Trimmer/Brushcutter Model No. ZR51950A--250000001 & Up Model No. ZR51970A--250000001 & Up Model No. ZR51990A--250000001 & Up Operator's Manual WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual. Save this manual. 1 READ THIS INFORMATION Before you use your new trimmer/brushcutter, read the following helpful hints to get you started. Fueling DANGER: Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline will burn you and others. 1. 2. 3. Obtain a clean container that is approved for use with gasoline. Mix all of the 2-cycle oil provided with 1 US gallon of 87-octane, unleaded gasoline. Fill the trimmer's gas tank carefully. Cold Starting vs. Warm Starting When you restart the trimmer/brushcutter and you are not sure whether the engine is still warm, set the start lever to RUN (Choke Open) and pull the starter cord. If the engine does not start within 5 pulls, refer to "To Start a Cold Engine" later in this manual. Flooded Engine Will the engine start? If not, it may be flooded. Relax, this is easy to correct. Set the start lever to RUN (Choke Open). Squeeze the trigger and pull the starter cord quickly for 10 to 12 pulls. If the engine does not start, refer to "Troubleshooting" later in this manual. WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Printed in USA All rights reserved 2 Table of Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................4 Safety Rules .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5-6 Symbols .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-7 Product Labels ..............................................................................................................................................................................8 Features ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9-10 Product Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................................9 Assembly................................................................................................................................................................................11-15 Unpacking............................................................................................................................................................................11 Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft ...................................................................................................................12 Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft ................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Front Handle..................................................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Shoulder Strap ...............................................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Grass Deflector..............................................................................................................................................12 Converting from Brushcutter to Trimmer............................................................................................................................14 Converting from Trimmer to Brushcutter............................................................................................................................15 Operation............................................................................................................................................................................... 16-19 Applications .........................................................................................................................................................................16 Mixing the Fuel....................................................................................................................................................................16 Filling the Tank....................................................................................................................................................................16 Starting the Product .............................................................................................................................................................17 Stopping the Product............................................................................................................................................................17 Operating the Trimmer ........................................................................................................................................................18 Operating the Brushcutter....................................................................................................................................................19 Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................................................... 20-23 Emissions Maintenance Schedule........................................................................................................................................20 Cleaning the Product............................................................................................................................................................20 Servicing the Product...........................................................................................................................................................20 Replacing the Cutting Line............................................................................................................................................ 20-21 Replacing the Spool.............................................................................................................................................................21 Checking the Fuel Cap.........................................................................................................................................................22 Cleaning the Air Filter .........................................................................................................................................................22 Replacing the Spark Arrester ...............................................................................................................................................22 Replacing the Spark Plug.....................................................................................................................................................23 Storing the Product ..............................................................................................................................................................23 Transporting the Product......................................................................................................................................................23 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................................................24 Warranty................................................................................................................................................................................ 25-26 Table of Contents 3 Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Ryobi product. We would like for you to be completely satisfied with your new product, so feel free to contact an authorized service dealer for help with service, genuine Ryobi parts, or other information you may require. Whenever you contact an authorized service dealer, always know the model and serial numbers of the product. These numbers will help the service representative provide exact information about your specific product. You will find the model and serial number decal located on the motor housing. For your convenience, write the product model and serial numbers in the space below. Model No. Serial No. Model No./Serial No. Label Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product correctly. Reading this manual will help you and others avoid personal injury and damage to the product. Although Ryobi designs, produces, and markets safe, state-ofthe-art products, you are responsible for using the product properly and safely. You are also responsible for training persons you allow to use the product about safe operation. The Ryobi warning system in this manual identifies potential hazards and has special safety messages that help you and others avoid personal injury, even death. DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are signal words that identify the level of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful. Two other words, "Important" and "Note," highlight information. Signal Word DANGER WARNING CAUTION Explanation Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage. Advises you of important information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment. Advises you of additional information concerning the operation or maintenance of the equipment. Important Note 4 Introduction Safety Rules WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious personal injury as well as damage to the product. This product has been designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of the current version of ANSI B175.3, safety requirements for gasoline-powered string trimmers and brushcutters. Physical Condition of the Operator. Do not operate this product when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Clothing Requirements. Always wear long heavy pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so that it is above shoulder level to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Protective Accessories Requirements. Wear eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards when operating this product. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Condition of Trimmer Before Use. Inspect the product before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment shield is properly attached, and in the position recommended by the manufacturer. Use only flexible, non-metallic line recommended by the manufacturer. For example, never use wire or wirerope, which can break off and become a dangerous projectile. Proper Stance. Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Keep the cutting attachment below waist level. Keep all parts of your body away from the rotating cutting attachment and hot surfaces. Exhaust Gases. Never start or run the product inside a closed room or building; breathing exhaust fumes can cause illness or death. Fueling. Mix and pour fuel outdoors where there are no sparks and flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only after stopping the engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe spilled fuel from the product. Move at least 30 ft. (9 m) away from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Work Area. Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects, such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string, that can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting attachment. Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 ft. (15 m) radius. Because there still may be a risk of injury to bystanders from thrown objects, bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection. If you are approached while operating the product, stop the engine and the cutting attachment. Dangerous Environments. To avoid falling, do not use the product in damp or wet locations. Controlling the Product. During carburetor adjustments the cutting attachment may spin. Therefore, you should wear protective equipment and observe all safety instructions when adjusting the carburetor. For products equipped with a clutch, be sure the cutting attachment stops turning when the engine idles. When the product is turned off, make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before setting down the product. Use the Right Product. Use the product for the intended purpose only. Condition of Brushcutter Before Use. The handles shall be mounted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not attach any blade to a product without proper installation of all required parts. Failure to use the proper parts can cause the blade to fly off and seriously injure the operator and/or bystanders. Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any way. Use the Right Equipment. Always use the barrier bar on the front handle and the shoulder strap with the brushcutter. Blade Thrust. Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not immediately cut. A blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the product and/or operator to be propelled in any direction, and possibly lose control of the product. Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut. Stopping the Product. A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to spin after the engine is stopped or throttle is released. Maintain proper control until the blade has completely stopped rotating. Safety Rules 5 Safety Rules This engine is equipped with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine without a spark arrester muffler on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grasscovered land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002. Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this product, loan these instructions also. Symbols The following symbols are located on the product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols allows you to operate the product better and safer. Symbol Name Safety Alert Symbol Explanation Precautions that involve your safety. Read the Operator's Manual Read the operator's manual before starting or operating this product. Failure to follow operating instructions and safety precautions in the operator's manual can result in serious injury. Wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing protection when operating this equipment. Keep all bystanders at least 50 feet (15 m) away. Wear Eye and Hearing Protection Keep Bystanders Away Ricochet Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or property damage. Do not install or use any type of blade on a product displaying this symbol. Beware of blade thrust. Products authorized for blade use will display this symbol to warn of blade thrust. Use unleaded gasoline intended for motor vehicle use with an octane rating of 87 ([R + M] / 2) or higher. This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil. No Blade Blade Thrust Gasoline and Oil 6 Symbols Symbols The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product. SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property damage. DANGER: WARNING: CAUTION: CAUTION: SERVICE Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For service we suggest you return the product to your nearest AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you read thoroughly and understand completely the operator's manual. Save this operator's manual and review frequently for continuing safe operation and instructing others who may use this product. WARNING: WARNING: The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Symbols 7 Product Labels Product labels and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace damaged or lost labels. Part No. 986178-001 Part No. 984032-001 50' 15m I Part No. 985102-001 Part No. 984105-001 50' 15m 50' 15m Part No. 984240-001 Part No. 983961-001 (Shoulder Strap) OFF ON 8 Product Labels Features Product Specifications Engine Cutting Width Model No. ZR51950A Model No. ZR51970A Model No. ZR51990A Line Size Weight Model No. ZR51950A Model No. ZR51970A Model No. ZR51990A 12-1/2 lbs. 13-1/2 lbs. 13-1/2 lbs. 17 in. 18 in. 8 in. for brushcutter, 18 in. for trimmer .095 in. 25.4 cc Full Crank Know Your Trimmer/Brushcutter See Figure 1. Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules. Brushcutter Features (Model No. ZR51990A) Blade The Tri-Arc® blade allows you to brushcut weeds, vines and light brush. Brushcutter Guard The brushcutter guard helps protect you from the blade and from flying debris. Shoulder Strap The brushcutter includes a shoulder strap that helps support the product. Barrier Bar The handle on the brushcutter contains a barrier bar that restrains the operator in position and maintains a proper distance between the operator and the blade. Common Features Engine The engine is powerful and easy to start. It is effectively counterbalanced, which allows for less vibration and more durability. Ergonomic Design The design of the product provides for easy handling. It is designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating in different positions and at different angles. Curved/Straight Shaft Features (Model No. ZR51950A/ZR51970A) Dual Line The dual line permits more efficient cutting than a single line. Grass Deflector The grass deflector helps protect you from flying debris. Features 9 Curved Shaft Trimmer (Model No. ZR51950A) Grass Barrier Front Handle Curved Shaft Grass Deflector Engine Trigger Handle Straight Shaft Trimmer (Model No. ZR51970A) Dual Line Front Handle Engine Straight Shaft Grass Deflector Blade Trigger Handle (Model No. ZR51990A) Brushcutter Brushcutter Guard Front Handle Engine Shoulder Strap Barrier Bar Trigger Handle Figure 1 10 Features Assembly Unpacking Carefully remove the product from the box. Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping. Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product. If any parts are damaged or missing, please call toll free 1-800-860-4050 for assistance. WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not operate the product until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury. WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this tool. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury. WARNING: Do not start trimmer until assembly is complete. Failure to comply could result in accidental starting and possible serious personal injury. Packing List Upper shaft (Power head) (1) Attachment shaft (Cutting head) (1) Handle (1) Curved shaft grass deflector (1) (Model No. ZR51950A) Straight shaft grass deflector (1) (Model No. ZR51970A and Model No. ZR51990A) Grass barrier (Model No. ZR51950A) Hex head cap screw - 1/4-20 x 2 in. (1) (Model No. ZR51950A) Lock washer (1) (Model No. ZR51950A) Flat washer (1) (Model No. ZR51950A) Wing nut (1) (Model No. ZR51950A) Oil Head locking tool (1) (Model No. ZR51990A) Shoulder strap (1) (Model No. ZR51990A) Storage cap Assembly 11 Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft See Figure 2. Follow these steps to connect the attachment to the upper shaft. 1. Loosen the knob by turning it counterclockwise. 2. Remove the end cap from the attachment shaft. 3. Align the button on the attachment shaft with the guide recess on the upper shaft. 4. Slide the attachment shaft into the upper shaft until the attachment shaft clicks into place. Note: You may need to turn the attachment shaft to properly align the two shafts. 5. Tighten the knob securely by turning it clockwise. 3. Place the handle along the upper shaft to a position that allows for comfortable operation. 4. Place the handle support on the bottom of the tube on the opposite side of the front handle. 5. Secure the handle with the slotted TorxTM screws. Slotted Torx Screw Front Handle Trigger Handle Barrier Bar (Model No. ZR51990A) Upper Shaft Guide Recess Button Handle Support Figure 3 Attaching the Shoulder Strap Model No. ZR51990A See Figure 4. Follow these steps to attach the shoulder strap. Knob Attachment Shaft Figure 2 1. Connect the latch on the strap to the hanger bracket. 2. Adjust the strap to a comfortable position. Note: To quickly release the product from the shoulder strap, sharply pull the quick release tab. Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft See Figure 2. Follow these steps to remove the attachment from the upper shaft. 1. Loosen the knob by turning it counterclockwise. 2. Push the button while pulling out the attachment. Strap Attaching the Front Handle See Figure 3. Follow these steps to attach the front handle. 1. Remove the slotted TorxTM screws to separate the handle from the handle support. 2. Press the handle onto the top of the upper shaft, no less than 10 in. (25.4 cm) from the center of the trigger handle, angling the handle toward the trigger handle. Latch Quick Release Tab Hanger Bracket Figure 4 12 Assembly Attaching the Grass Deflector Attaching the grass deflector differs depending on the type of trimmer: curved shaft or straight shaft. To Attach the Straight Shaft Grass Deflector Model No. ZR51970A and Model No. ZR51990A See Figure 6. Follow these steps to attach the straight shaft grass deflector. 1. Remove the slotted hex head screw from the grass deflector. 2. Insert the tab on the mounting bracket in the slot on the grass deflector. 3. Align the screw hole in the mounting bracket with the screw hole in the grass deflector. 4. Insert the slotted hex head screw through the mounting bracket and into the grass deflector. 5. Tighten the screw securely. WARNING: The line cutting blade on the grass deflector is sharp. Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact can result in serious personal injury. Note: To protect the operator, always be sure to attach the grass deflector. To Attach the Curved Shaft Grass Deflector Model No. ZR51950A See Figure 5. Follow these steps to attach the curved shaft grass deflector. 1. Press the grass deflector onto the bottom of the curved shaft as shown. 2. Lift the grass barrier up slightly. 3. Insert the hex head cap screw through the grass deflector, bracket, and grass barrier. 4. Place the flat washer and lock washer on the hex head cap screw. 5. Place the wing nut or hex nut on the hex head cap screw and turn clockwise to secure. Curved Shaft Grass Deflector Wing Nut Tab Straight Shaft Grass Deflector Slot Figure 6 Bracket Lock Washer Flat Washer Line Cutting Blade Hex Head Cap Screw Figure 5 Grass Barrier Assembly 13 Converting From Brushcutter To Trimmer Model No. ZR51990A To convert from the brushcutter to the trimmer, remove the blade, remove the brushcutter guard, attach the grass deflector, and install the trimmer head assembly. To Remove the Blade and Brushcutter Guard See Figure 7 and Figure 8. Follow these steps to remove the blade and brushcutter guard. 1. Align the slot in the flanged washer with the slot in the gear head. 2. Place the head locking tool through the slot in the flanged washer and gear head. 3. Remove the blade nut by turning it clockwise (lefthanded threads). 4. Remove the cupped washer and the blade. Slot Flanged Washer Blade Gear Head Head Locking Tool Figure 7 WARNING: Be careful when handling the blade. It is sharp. Failure to heed this warning can result in serious personal injury. 5. Remove the flanged washer from the gear shaft and retain it for the trimmer head assembly installation. 6. Remove the three screws securing the brushcutter guard. 7. Remove the brushcutter guard. Note: Store the brushcutter parts together for future use. To Attach the Grass Deflector Refer to "To Attach the Straight Shaft Grass Deflector" earlier in this manual. To Install the Trimmer Head Assembly See Figure 9. Follow these steps to install the trimmer head assembly. 1. Align the slot in the flanged washer with the slot in the gear head. 2. Insert the head locking tool through the flanged washer and gear head. 3. Install the drive shaft and trimmer head assembly onto the gear shaft by turning the drive shaft counterclockwise (left-handed threads). 4. Tighten the drive shaft securely. Slot Brushcutter Guard Cupped Washer Blade Nut Figure 8 Flanged Washer Gear Head Drive Shaft Trimmer Head Assembly Figure 9 14 Assembly Converting From Trimmer To Brushcutter Model No. ZR51990A To convert from the trimmer to the brushcutter, remove the trimmer head assembly, remove the grass deflector, attach the brushcutter guard, and install the blade. To Remove the Trimmer Head Assembly and Grass Deflector See Figures 10 and 11. Follow these steps to remove the trimmer head assembly and grass deflector. 1. Align the slot in the flanged washer with the slot in the gear head. 2. Insert the head locking tool through the flanged washer and gear head. 3. Remove the drive shaft and trimmer head assembly by turning the drive shaft clockwise (left-handed threads). 4. Remove the flanged washer and retain it for the blade installation. 5. Remove the screw securing the grass deflector. 6. Remove the grass deflector. Note: Store the trimmer head assembly parts together for future use. To Attach the Brushcutter Guard See Figure 12. Note: To protect the operator, always be sure to attach the brushcutter guard. Follow these steps to attach the brushcutter guard. 1. Place the guard onto the gear head as shown. 2. Insert the three hex head screws from the bottom through the guard into the gear head. 3. Tighten the screws securely and torque to 40-50 in.lb. To Install the Blade See Figure 13. Follow these steps to install the blade. 1. Place flanged washer over the gear shaft with the hollow side toward the brushcutter guard. 2. Center the blade on the flanged washer, making sure the blade fits flat and the raised hub goes through the hole in the blade. 3. Install the cupped washer with the raised center away from the blade. 4. Place the blade nut onto the gear shaft. 5. Insert the head locking tool through the flanged washer and gear head. 6. Install the blade nut by turning it counterclockwise (left-handed threads). 7. Tighten the blade nut and torque to 120 in.lb. minimum (finger tight plus 1/2 turn). Brushcutter Guard Cupped Washer Blade Nut Hex Head Screw Figure 12 Gear Shaft Flanged Washer Brushcutter Guard Straight Shaft Grass Deflector Slot Head Locking Tool Figure 10 Gear Head Flanged Washer Drive Shaft Trimmer Head Assembly Figure 11 Gear Head Blade Figure 13 Assembly 15 Operation Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury. WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury. WARNING: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury. WARNING: 50:1 Gasoline to Oil Mixing Chart Gasoline 1/2 US gallon 1 US gallon 2 US gallons 1 liter 2 liters 3 liters 4 liters 5 liters Oil 1.3 oz. 2.6 oz. 5.2 oz. 20 ml 40 ml 60 ml 80 ml 100 ml + = Filling the Tank WARNING: Always stop the engine before filling the tank. Never add fuel to a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at least 30 ft. (9 m) away from the refueling site before starting the engine. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Follow these steps to fill the tank. 1. Clean the surface around the fuel cap to prevent contamination. 2. Loosen the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise. 3. Pour the fuel mixture carefully into the tank. 4. Clean and inspect the gasket. Note: Replace the fuel cap if the gasket is damaged. 5. Install the fuel cap and tighten it by turning it clockwise. Applications Use this product for the following applications: Cutting grass, weeds, and light undergrowth (all models) Edging along sidewalks and driveways (all models) Cutting pulpy weeds, vines, and light brush (Model No. ZR51990A) Mixing the Fuel DANGER: Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline will burn you and others. This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires premixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil. The oil mix should be 50:1, using oil that meets or exceeds JASO-FC specifications. Follow these steps to mix the fuel. 1. Obtain a clean container that is approved for use with gasoline. 2. Mix the 2-cycle engine oil provided with unleaded gasoline in the container, according to the instructions on the oil carton. Important: This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use with an octane rating of 87 ([R + M] / 2) or higher. Do not use automotive oil or 2-cycle outboard oil. Store the container out of the reach of children. Check for fuel leaks. If you find any leaks, correct the problem before using the product. 6. Wipe spilled fuel from the product. 7. Move at least 30 ft. (9 m) away before starting the product. Note: It is normal for the engine to emit smoke during use. WARNING: 16 Operation WARNING: The product may throw objects during operation, causing injury to the operator or to bystanders. Always wear suitable eye protection, long heavy pants, and boots while operating the product. Starting/Stopping the Product Primer Bulb See Figure 14a, Figure 14b, Figure 14c and Figure 15. To start an engine that is cold or has run dry: 1. Fill the fuel tank, if necessary. Always use the proper oil/gasoline mixture. See "Mixing the Fuel" on page 17. 2. Place the engine switch in the RUN ( | ) position. Note: Do not engage the throttle lever during the starting process. 3. Slowly push the primer bulb seven times. Note: If restarting a warm engine, do not push the primer bulb. 4. Set the start lever to the START position. Note: If restarting a warm engine, leave the choke in the RUN position. 5. Pull the starter cord until the engine runs. 6. Return the starter cord gently to the starter housing. Do not allow the rope to snap back. 7. Allow the engine to run for 15 seconds to warm up before using. 8. Engage the throttle lever to operate. Lock-off Button Stopping the Product See Figure 15. 1. Release the throttle lever. 2. Move the engine switch to the OFF ( O ) position. Figure 14b Start Lever Start Position Start Lever Run Positon Figure 14c Switch Switch Trigger Primer Bulb Starter Cord Figure 14a Trigger Figure 15 Operation 17 Operating the Trimmer Operating the trimmer differs, depending on whether you are using the curved shaft trimmer or the straight shaft trimmer. PROPER OPERATING POSITION WARNING: Always hold the string trimmer away from the body, keeping clearance between the body and the product. Any contact with the housing or string trimmer cutting head can result in burns and/or other serious personal injury. To Operate the Curved Shaft Trimmer (Model No. ZR51950A) See Figure 16a. Follow these steps to operate the curved shaft trimmer. 1. Start the trimmer. 2. Hold the trimmer at waist level with your right hand on the trigger handle and your left hand on the front handle. 3. Place the product on the right side of your body with the engine behind and away from your body. 4. Trim grass and weeds in a right-to-left motion with the line parallel to the ground. To Advance the Cutting Line See Figure 16c. Follow these steps to advance the cutting line. 1. Start the trimmer. 2. Tap the retaining cap lightly on the ground while the motor is running. The line will only advance with the engine at full throttle. Do not hold the retaining cap on the ground. Note: The line cutting blade on the grass deflector will cut the line to the proper length. Note: To help prevent line tangle, tap only once to lengthen the line. If additional line is required, wait a few seconds before retapping the retaining cap. Do not allow the line to wear too short. Keep the cutting line at full length. Figure 16b PROPER OPERATING POSITION Figure 16a To Operate the Straight Shaft Trimmer (Model No. ZR51970A) See Figure 16b. Follow these steps to operate the straight shaft trimmer. 1. Start the trimmer. 2. Hold the trimmer at waist level with your right hand on the trigger handle and your left hand on the front handle. 3. Place the product on the right side of your body with the engine behind and away from your body. 4. Trim grass and weeds in a left-to-right motion with the line parallel to the ground. 18 Operation Retaining Cap Figure 16c Operating the Brushcutter (Model No. ZR51990A) See Figure 17. Follow these steps to operate the brushcutter. 1. Start the brushcutter. 2. Hold the brushcutter at waist level with your right hand (arm extended) on the trigger handle and your left hand on the front handle. 3. Place the product on the right side of your body with the engine behind and away from your body. 4. Brushcut weeds and vines in a right-to-left motion with the blade parallel to the ground. Curved Shaft Trimmer Dangerous Cutting Area Direction of Rotation PROPER OPERATING POSITION Best Cutting Area Figure 18 Straight Shaft Trimmer Dangerous Cutting Area Figure 17 Cutting Tips See Figures 18 and 19. 1. Avoid hot surfaces by always keeping the tool away from your body. (Proper operating position is shown in Figures 16a, 16b and 17.) 2. Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area. 3. The curved shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from right to left. the straight shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from left to right. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator. Avoid cutting in the dangerous area shown in figures 18 and 19. 4. Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string head into uncut grass. 5. Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs and wood may wear string rapidly. 6. Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string. Direction of Rotation Best Cutting Area Figure 19 Operation 19 Maintenance Emissions Maintenance Schedule Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control device and systems may be performed by any nonroad engine repair establishment or individual. Emission Part Fuel Tank Assembly (Includes Fuel Lines, Fuel Cap, and Fuel Filter) Air Filter Spark Arrester Spark Plug X Inspect before each use X X X X Clean every 5 hours Replace every 25 hours or yearly Clean every 25 hours or yearly WARNING: When servicing, use only Ryobi replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. Replacing the Cutting Line See Figures 20 and 21. Cleaning the Product WARNING: Use of line other than the proper monofilament cutting line could cause personal injury. Follow these steps to replace the cutting line. 1. Stop the trimmer. Stop the product before cleaning. Clean the exterior of the product with a damp cloth. Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Wipe or scrape the trimmer head and spool area when they accumulate dirt or clippings. Scrape debris away from air intake vents on both sides of the motor housing. WARNING: Make sure the trimmer head stops rotating. Contact with a rotating trimmer head could cause personal injury. 2. Remove the spark plug boot. See Figure 24. 3. Remove the retaining cap. 4. Remove the empty spool. 5. Clean the trimmer head thoroughly. Inspect the trimmer head for any damaged or worn parts. 6. Hold the spool with the spring positioned upward. 7. Insert the end of the new line into the hole in the upper threaded area of the spool. 8. Wind the line around the spool as indicated by the arrows on the top of the spool until the line reaches the edge of the spool. Do not wind the line beyond the CAUTION: Keeping air intake vents free of grass and debris prevents motor overheating and possible failure. Note: Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of oil used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust port and muffler may become blocked with carbon deposits. If you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, you may need to remove these deposits to restore performance. We highly recommended that only qualified service technicians perform this service. Servicing the Product Check and tighten all fasteners. If any part is damaged or lost, repair it or replace it. edge of the inner ring. 9. Secure the line temporarily by pushing it into one of the slotted tabs on the spool. 10. Measure six inches of line from the slotted tab and cut the line at that point. 20 Maintenance